The 2nd Annual 5k Run/Walk for Special Olympics will take place during Mount Vernon’s Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 30. The registration fee is $25 until Sept. 16. Pictured: Danielle Lanxon kisses one of her medals she earned while participating in the World Special Olympics in Austria. Providedprovided

The 2nd Annual 5k Run/Walk for Special Olympics will take place during Mount Vernon’s Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 30. The registration fee is $25 until Sept. 16. Pictured: Danielle Lanxon kisses one of her medals she earned while participating in the World Special Olympics in Austria. Providedprovided

It’s time to register for Special Olympics run/walk; submit art for Illinois bicentennial

5k Run/Walk for Special Olympics

The second annual 5k Run/Walk for Special Olympics will take place during Mount Vernon’s Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 30. The registration fee is $25 until Sept. 16. After Sept. 16, the fee is $30. The kid’s fun run fee is $12. Participants can register online at www.active.com. All proceeds from this event will go to the Jefferson County Special Olympics. Information: Sean Featherstun, 618-244-8025.

Art contest to celebrate Illinois’ bicentennial

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will have an art contest for students from kindergarten through high school in celebration of Illinois’ bicentennial. Artwork may be submitted through Dec. 15. Submissions must be on poster board 14 inches high by 11 inches wide. The art cannot feature copyrighted characters. Entries do not have to be submitted through schools — youth groups, home-educated children or anyone in the appropriate age range can participate. Further information and rules: bit.ly/ALPLMartcontest.

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Illinois American Water student art contest

Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms within the service area of Illinois American Water are invited to participate in “Imagine a Day Without Water” art contest. Winning students receive a $100 donation for their classroom. To participate, students draw a picture and write one sentence that describes what a day without water means to them. Teachers can find instructions online at www.illinoisamwater.com in the “Learning Center.” All entries should be sent to External Affairs Manager Karen Cotton at 7500 N. Harker Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615 by Sept. 27. Questions: karen.cotton@amwater.com.

2017 ALFA Oktoberfest

Abundant Living for All Foundation Oktoberfest will be from 5-9 p.m., Sept. 30 at the Trinity Gardens and Farmstead, 11858 Zimmermann Road, Mascoutah. This event features authentic German beer, wine, food and live music provided by the “Polka Connection” and a silent auction. Send in your reservation by Sept. 23. Tickets cost $45 each, $85 per couple or $340 for table of eight. AFLA is an organization that helps people with autism and developmental disabilities served by Trinity Services, Inc. in southwestern Illinois. Information: 618-566-4200 or alfafoundationinmascoutah@gmail.com.

Edwardsville ‘Family Camp Out’ event

The Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department will have its fourth annual Family Camp Out on Oct. 7 at Joe Glik Park in Edwardsville. The cost is $40 for a family up to four. Each additional person over 2 years of age is $5. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 22. This event features dinner, s’mores, breakfast, a movie, camp fire, crafts and family-friendly activities. To register: 618-692-7538 or www.cityofedwardsville.com, go to Parks and Recreation Department.

Hett Center to have free film series

The McKendree University Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the Lebanon campus will have a free Film Art Series starting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 with “The Battle of Algiers.” An informal discussion will be held after the film. Some contain adult themes or language and may not be appropriate for all audiences. The series continues with “Concussion” on Oct. 10, “Shakespeare Behind Bars” on Oct. 23 and “Milk” on Nov. 29. All of the films will be shown at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. This Film Art Series is sponsored by the Leon and Helen Church Family Foundation. www.theHett.com.

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